Short Stories: Schwieterman Adventures (Part 7, originally posted 8/23/22)
We were all eager for our next destination: Iowa Championship Rodeo in Sidney. In planning our RV adventure, we knew we wanted a wild West experience and since our girls are all into the Heartland series, we thought a professional rodeo was perfect. I was surprised that no dates lined up while we were actually "out West", but this Midwest rodeo was still the real deal!
We were able to find a camping spot at the arena to plug in the motorhome for the night. My husband cooked supper on the tailgate grill while I got the girls dressed in their boots and cowboy hats. (It was too hot for the plaid shirts. . . So the outfits were modified!)
The opening ceremony included two trick riders standing on their horses while holding an American flag. . . The girls' eyes were locked on the performance, they were so excited! We all loved the entire rodeo, especially mutten busting, and the bronc and bull riding. We can't wait to see another rodeo!
The next morning was the same as most others, quick breakfast then on the road to cover oh-so-many miles. This day was 575 miles to a truck stop in Sawyer, Michigan near the Warren Dunes State Park on Lake Michigan. We wanted one last beach adventure before heading home.
We visited a nearby church for Mass where a local couple was celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. It was a touching scene to see them surrounded by their family and to hear their granddaughter sing Ave Maria.
As we walked out of church, we were unpleasantly surprised to see the parking lot had become a river! It was a downpour. Our plans for a beach day seemed to be thwarted. But as we had during the entire trip, we rolled with the situation and drove to the park anyways.
We had lunch inside the RV instead of on the beach as we waited out the storm. When it slowed to more of a drizzle but was obvious the clouds were going to hang around for the day, I took the older girls out to see Lake Michigan and the sand dunes. (Our youngest can't be in the rain, or rather it's the ventilator that can't get soaked.)
We watched the waves for a little bit and the girls picked out some rocks (they are collectors). We were all completely drenched so with a smile on my face, I urged the girls to dive in, clothes and all. It made for an amazing memory!
200 miles later, our RV adventure ended. (After a quick tour of our crops, our farmer couldn't just drive by the fields!) What a remarkable experience for our family! I hope our story encourages others to venture into the vast landscape of God's creation. It's a beautiful world out there!
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